The best toddler water bottles to keep your little one hydrated

The best toddler water bottles

by Samantha Ball |
Updated on

Finding the best toddler water bottle that not only encourages your little one to drink, but is also leak proof and easy to use can feel like an impossible task. But, when you find one that works for you and your toddler, it can really make a difference in keeping them hydrated and help them enjoy their favourite toddler drink.

You might have mainly been offering water to your little one with their meals with a kids beaker to encourage independent drinking, but one of these cups might not be as easy to use if you're trying to get your little one to drink more water throughout the day, or if they attend nursery and need a water bottle with their lunchbox.

Best toddler water bottles at a glance:

Best overall toddler water bottle: Contigo Kids Water Bottle, £16.49
Best eco-friendly toddler water bottle: Greens Easy Sip Water Bottle, £14.99
Best flip-top toddler water bottle: TUM TUM Flip Top Water Bottle, £9.99
Best reusable metal toddler water bottle: FEIJIAN Kids Water Bottle, £21.99

Open cups and beakers are great for teaching your child how to drink from a cup properly and they are great for older toddlers. When younger toddlers and babies start to drink water, they're not as practical when on the go or to have close by because they are easily spilled. A toddler water bottle is great to have around the house as well as out and about so your little one can grab it whenever they feel thirsty.

Most toddler water bottles come with fun designs as well as practical functions such as leak-proof designs - which we all know is a huge help when in the hands of a toddler! There are many factors to consider. Do you want a plastic or stainless steel bottle? What kind of top will suit your little one? Some toddlers prefer straws or flip tops rather than a wide opening. You could also consider if the bottle is insulated to keep their drink cold on a hot day at nursery, as well as checking it is robust enough to withstand the inevitable drops and bashes it will get in the hands of an energetic toddler.

Best kids water bottles 2024

Best overall toddler water bottle

best-toddler-water-bottle-contigo-dinosaurAmazon
Price: $28.60

With a press button to access the drinking spout, the Contigo Kids Water Bottle is one that you really want to invest in. Designed to be fully leak proof, this bottle can be tipped upside-down even with the spout open and not a drop of water leaks out. The parts inside the bottle also stay together to clean, and help prevent losing anything when washing up.

Our Product & Lifestyle Writer, Samantha Ball, said: "We go through so many water bottles in our house, if they're not constantly leaking we're losing the straws or they're breaking, but this water bottle has really changed things. My daughter tips it up and shakes it about but not a single drop of water leaves the bottle, which also means our bags are not getting soaked when out and about when the bottle accidentally tips over.

It is also incredibly easy to clean, and the straw stays attached to the bottle so we aren't constantly losing it. It is incredibly good value for money and I've definitely spent the same on three different bottles over the last few weeks, whereas this one has actually lasted."

Pros

  • The AutoSpout lid and valve not only protects the opening from dirt but also creates a leak proof design, making it ideal for schoolbags.
  • The straw is attached so it prevents it from being lost and having to be replaced.
  • The attractive designs with different colours and motifs are appealing, making them a bottle that is enjoyable to use.
  • This bottle is dishwasher safe and easy to clean making it hassle-free.

Cons

  • Younger toddlers might take awhile to get used to the pop-up straw mechanism.

Best two-pack toddler water bottle

on sale

Sparkles and unicorns, what more could a little princess want from a water bottle? Well, we'll tell you! Incredibly, at a pop of a button the silicone spout pops up to allow your weeny one to drink like a grown-up. One reviewer points out that their daughter coped fine with the button, and loves the large grab handle.

Parents love the Fringoo water bottles for their durability, practicality, and attractive designs – not to mention the bottles' leak-proof construction, dishwasher-safe feature, and fun patterns, making them ideal for kids and toddlers. Customers have also highlighted the bottles' resilience to drops and frequent washing. Sounds like this water bottle is going to go the distance! A few minor issues have been mentioned in reviews, such as a stiff button or occasional leakage.

Pros

  • The pop-up silicone spout feature, is activated with an easy-to-use button, allowing children to drink independently along with the convenience of a carry handle.
  • The pack of 2 bottles offers a spare bottle for backup or for use by another child.
  • The no-spill design is ideal for those active toddlers who tend to move around a lot.
  • This water bottle is dishwasher safe, making it easier to maintain hygiene.

Cons

  • To ensure proper functionality and prevent clogging, the valve mechanism requires regular maintenance.
  • While Nuby offer tropical and traffic design,s the lack of alternative options may limit choices.

Best large capacity toddler water bottle

Child's large capacity water bottle with different designs from footballs to sea animalsMountain Warehouse

If your little has a bottomless belly and loves to drink, this large capacity water bottle will save you filling up every five minutes with its 600ml capacity! Reviewers seem to approve of the leak-proof design, agreeing that the water bottle ensures a mess-free sipping experience while on the move. The convenient straw allows for easy sipping, and it's kept clean by the flip-top design. Parents think this product is great value for money, suitably resistant to wear and tear, and very functional. We love the fact that it comes in 16 vibrant designs to suit little girls and boys no matter what your little one is into. Designs include dinosaurs, robots, animals, unicorns, monster trucks and more.

Pros

  • This bottle has a large capacity of 600ml which reduces the need to refill as often, making them suitable for them longer journeys.
  • These water bottles are durable, so can withstand the general wear and tear of daily usage.
  • Fringoo offers lots of designs for different personalities, that can attract and encourage children to stay hydrated.
  • The bottle has a flip top design to help keep the straw clean from any germs when not in use.

Cons

  • These bottles may require thorough cleaning and airing out before use, due to a plastic odor when first opened.

Best flip-top toddler water bottle

We've spotted a water bottle that any toddler will be happy to receive. From its colourful cute design to the flip-top lid with straw that's easily openable for little hands, the TUM TUM Flip Top Water Bottle is built to last. It's also dishwasher safe.

Kids love the bug-themes design and parents appreciate its durability,, resilience to drops and the soft straw, which ensures safe drinking for toddlers. A few minor issues come up in reviews, like occasional leaking and difficulty cleaning the straw, but generally this seems to be a popular product that's suitable for children's daily use.

Pros

  • The water bottle is dishwasher safe, so is easy to clean and maintain, providing convenience.
  • With the bottle being made from Tritan plastic, it makes it durable and resistant to shattering and BPA-free meaning it's safer to store beverages without the risk of harmful chemicals.
  • The bottle has an easy to open flip-spout top for little hands and a soft straw, promoting independence and safe drinking.

Cons

  • It can occasionally leak, which could be a concern to a parent searching for a leak-proof bottle.

Best eco-friendly toddler water bottle

best-toddler-water-bottle-stainless-steel-designAmazon
Price: $14.99

The Greens Easy Sip Water Bottle is designed from a stainless steel that doesn't rust, so it helps to keep your toddler's water cool and the bottle is long lasting. It's an easy to hold design for toddlers, and also has a convenient carry handle.

Parents are generally happy with the durability, ease of use, and spill-proof features of this water bottle, with one customer describing that theirs has been thrown to the ground many times indoors and outdoors but has held up nicely! Other reviews have expressed issues such as broken parts, difficulty in cleaning, and leakage. Despite mixed experiences, parent do love the kid-friendly size, attractive designs, and the manufacturer's efforts to provide customer support.

Pros

  • This bottle helps keep water cool for longer periods, making it beneficial for the warmer weather.
  • The bottle is made out of stainless steel which is non-toxic preventing harmful chemicals from going into the water, ensuring safer drinking.
  • All of the Greens Easy Sip Water Bottles are environmentally friendly because they reduce plastic waste by using reusable materials.
  • This bottle is easy to clean, as they are dishwasher safe but also come with a brush, to be able to get right into the straw.

Cons

  • Due to the material the bottles are made out of, they tend to be slightly heavier than other plastic bottles.
  • As the bottles are made out of stainless steel it prevents the visibility of the contents inside, making it difficult to monitor water intake and check for cleanliness.

Best reusable metal toddler water bottle

With a range of pretty designs, the FEIJIAN Kids Water Bottle has a straw lid and helps to keep drinks cool for up to 24 hours. It's spill proof and has a lock button too. It's easy to clean and the lid can go in the dishwasher. Parents have commented on the thoughtful features such as spill-proof locks and comfortable holding.

There are mixed reviews when it comes to broken parts, difficulty in cleaning, and leakage. However, one customer highly recommends the water bottle with theirs still going strong after a year, and another comments on the fact that theirs has been dropped multiple times with little to no damage at all. Reviews have also mentioned the excellent customer service provided by the company, including swift replacements for damaged parts.

Pros

  • The bottle is made from stainless steel, so is very durable and resistant to rust, ensuring it is long lasting.
  • It is a insulated bottle which helps keep hot drinks for 12 hours and cold drinks for 24.
  • The bottle has a wide mouth opening making it easier to clean inside and allows you to put ice cubes into it.
  • These bottles are spill-proof due to a lock button that keeps the straw down, providing an extra layer of security.

Cons

  • The lid can go in the dishwasher, but bottle part isn't recommended, making it a little less convenient to clean.

Best insulated toddler water bottle

This water bottle has lots of fun designs to choose from, but with double wall insulation it keeps beverages hot or cold for hours – unlike simple plastic water bottles. We love that it comes with two lids, including a spill proof straw lid, and it is made from durable stainless steel. It is mentioned that the bottles may not be fully spill-proof, but overall parents seem to think they are worth the investment.

Pros

  • The bottle has double wall insulation which helps keep drinks hot for 12 hours or cold for 24.
  • SHO offers lots of designs, appealing to all tastes and preferences.
  • This bottle comes with two lids, one with a straw and handle, another that screws on making it spill-proof, offering convenience for different drinking preferences.

Cons

  • Due to the double wall insulation, some have said that condensation started forming on the exterior of the bottle.

Best toddler water bottle with straw

The OLDLEY stainless steel water bottle guarantees no funky metallic taste, despite being made from stainless steel. With its double-walled insulation, it keeps drinks at the perfect temperature, whether refreshingly chilled in summer or warm and cozy in winter. Plus, say goodbye to leaks with its built-in sealing ring and spill-proof dust cover. It also comes with a removable straw and handy straw cleaning brush, which reviewers love! Let's not forget the fun factor – designed with small hands in mind, its size is just right for easy gripping, and your little one can choose from a variety of playful designs like cats, dinosaurs, and cars to match their personality. Suggested improvements by parents have included a slightly longer straw and a fabric holder, however the customer service is highly commended.

Pros

  • This bottle helps keep cold drink for 24 hours and hot drink for 12, due to it's double wall insulation.
  • This bottle makes staying hydrated more enjoyable with all the fun designs OLDLEY has to offer.
  • It is easy to clean as it includes features such as a wide mouth opening, removeable straw and a cleaning brush to help get in the not so easy places.
  • It offers a soft silicone straw that is flexible and helps towards a comfortable drinking experience, especially for toddlers that may have sensitive gums or teeth.

Cons

  • The straw falls a bit short within the bottle, so some remaining drink is left difficult to access.

Best easy-to-clean toddler water bottle

Peppa Pig Nostalgia Water Bottle with Flip up mouth piece and internal strawAsda
Price: $19.16

This official Peppa Pig water bottle is super-cute, eco-friendly, and designed to keep your little one hydrated throughout the day with its 400ml capacity and engaging design. It features characters like Rebecca Rabbit, Suzy Sheep, Zoe Zebra, Granny Pig, and George Pig. More importantly, the bottle claims to be durable for everyday use and is leakproof with a child-friendly flip-up spout. It fits most drink holders and is easy to clean with a removable straw and wide neck.

Parents love the quality of the thick plastic, leak-proof design, and easy cleaning features. Elsa emphasizes its appeal to Peppa Pig fans and overall quality. Although, some reviews have complained about receiving a faulty product. It is the perfect toddler's water bottle and a practical and fun accessory for kids, to be used at nursery school, on play dates and for fun days out!

Pros

  • The bottle displays an official Peppa Pig and friends design.
  • This bottle comes with a flip-up straw and a handle making it easier for little hands, providing less chances of spills.
  • It is 100% BPA free, ensuring it is non toxic and hardwearing due to being made out of recyclable and durable polypropylene.

Cons

  • With the bottle having a flip-up mechanism with a straw attached, it means it is slightly more difficult to keep clean.
  • The design is geared towards girls rather than being unisex.

The best toddler water bottles: all you need to know

What does BPA mean?

When it comes to shopping for a water bottle, you must check whether it is BPA-proof. BPA simply stands for bisphenol A, which is a controversial chemical that can be found in some plastic bottles.

Is this bottle safe for my child to use?

Depending on the age of your little one, you must check whether they have small parts. For newborns to three-year-olds, water bottles shouldn’t contain any small parts or anything that detaches. There are very limited bottles that are recommended for this age group. Three to eight-year-olds also shouldn't drink from a water bottle that has any small parts. Still, proceed with caution when buying or giving your child a water bottle over the age of eight.

How can you tell if a water bottle is leakproof?

Spillages are something to consider if you’re about to buy a water bottle for your youngster. The best way that you can usually tell is by reading the product description, as this will usually outline if there is a leakproof function or technology used.

What water bottle should a two year old use?

Two year olds can use any water bottle that doesn't have any detachable small bits and that lets them easily access the water without complicated openings, or an opening where water can easily spill. It is also worthwhile thinking about water bottles that are somewhere between a beaker or sippy cup in their design, because these might be more appropriate for a two year old.

Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.

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